News - History could be lost if hillfort site is developed (Sheffield)

ARCHAEOLOGICAL ‘treasures’ dating back to prehistoric times could be lost if housing plans are approved for a site in Sheffield, a councillor has warned.

Former Lord Mayor Coun Peter Price has spoken out over plans to build 26 homes on land at the end of Sandstone Road, Wincobank, on the Roman ridge overlooking the Lower Don Valley, the site of a former hillfort.

An archaeological survey carried out by Dr Gareth Davies, of Archaeological Research Services has concluded there is ‘medium to high potential’ remains may be intact.

Dr Davies recommended the site should be excavated before any development.

Coun Peter Price is among local councillors and residents who have objected to the plans.

He said: “The site could have archaeological treasures.

“Wincobank Hill is the site of an ancient monument and the way we have allowed this side of the hill to be developed has been shameful.

“Had it been anywhere else in the city, we would have protected it long ago.

“It is also an attractive hillside with footpaths, wonderful views, trees and wildlife and we feel it should be treated as open space.

“I strongly request this application is refused, so residents can continue to enjoy a small bit of attractive open space and our city’s heritage can be preserved.”

DLP Planning, agents for developer Investates Development, said the development would consist of 22 three-bedroom houses and four two-bedroom flats.

The agents said that surveys carried out in 1993 had found no evidence of archaeological remains.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/history_could_be_lost_if_hillfort_site_is_developed_1_4146413

 

News - Iron Age Heritage of Sheffield Farm (Whirlow Hall)

Whirlow Hall Farm is a working farm on the western edge of Sheffield. Every year over 10,000 children visit it from inner city areas to learn about various aspects of agriculture. But on 19^th July archaeological excavations began, marking the culmination of a community-orientated survey project carried out through spring and summer by local volunteers led by Archaeological Research Services.

A comprehensive field walking survey turned up an assemblage of over 1,000 artefacts, including flint tools ranging from the Mesolithic to the Bronze Age, and even evidence for Late Medieval manuring.

Yet the geophysical survey has caught the most attention. The results clearly show a rectangular ditched enclosure with opposing entrances to the east and west. It is believed to be Iron Age in date, and will form the focus of the excavation.

Karl Taylor of Archaeological Research Services said, ‘This discovery pushes back farming at Whirlow by at least 2,000 years and will provide new information on the early history of Sheffield’. As no farming settlements of this date have been found elsewhere within the city, this discovery could be highly significant.

Volunteers fieldwalking for signs of Whirlow Farm’s past. Photo: Archaeological Research Services

The excavations begin during the Council for British Archaeology’s ‘Festival of British Archaeology’ and are certainly in the spirit of the event. Dorne Coggins, a volunteer said, ‘The project has given me a wonderful chance to experience a wide range of archaeological activities… and I can’t wait to take part in the excavation’.

The project will allow the Whirlow Hall Farm Trust to branch out, using the findings to create a programme of walks, talks, and a heritage trail. Jessika Sheppy of Archaeological Research Services hopes that these activities ‘will enable visitors and school groups to appreciate the history and importance of the site for many years to come’.- Jonathan Hutchings

from: http://www.archaeology.co.uk/news-features/iron-age-heritage-of-sheffield-farm.htm

Dig - Time team dig up the dirt: experts push back origins of farming in city’s history (Sheffield)

ARCHAEOLOGISTS working at a Sheffield farm have dug up a mystery – the remains of a settlement which could date back 8,000 years to the Iron Age.

The dig, aided by volunteers at Whirlow Hall Farm, has found a rectangular-shaped enclosure formed by a ditch.

It was revealed during a geophysical survey undertaken by a team as part of an ongoing Heritage Lottery funded project at the farm.

Karl Taylor, of Archaeological Research Services who carried out the survey, said: “The results of the survey show just how valuable geophysics can be as a tool for discovering archaeology that would have otherwise lain undetected.

“This discovery pushes back farming at Whirlow by at least 2,000 years and will provide new information on the early history of Sheffield.”

Excavations on the enclosure are now under way with volunteers and members of the public taking part alongside trained archaeologists.

The discovery could be hugely significant for Sheffield, as no farming settlements of this date have yet been found within the city.

The project is open to the public and volunteers have been involved since April.

They have so far been carrying out field walks, geophysical examinations of the terrain and a photographic survey of the historic farm buildings at Whirlow including the medieval cruck barn.

Volunteer Dorne Coggins said: “The project has given me a wonderful chance to experience a wide range of archaeological activities.

“It has really opened my eyes to what you can discover on your doorstep.”

The field walking resulted in the collection of over 1,000 finds, including flint tools from the Mesolithic and Early Bronze Age.

Archeologist Jessika Sheppy said: “The really exciting aspect of this project is that it is revealing the presence of human activity at Whirlow for over 8,000 years.

“This emerging story will enable visitors and school groups to appreciate the history and importance of the site for many years to come.”

On completion of the project, the findings will be used to produce a heritage trail and a programme of talks and walks detailing the history of the area, which will be made available to visitors to the farm.

The dig continues until August 5 and anyone interested in taking part should contact Jessika Sheppy at jessika@archaeologicalresearchservices.com or 01629 814540 to book a place.

From: http://www.thestar.co.uk/community/green-scene/time_team_dig_up_the_dirt_experts_push_back_origins_of_farming_in_city_s_history_1_3618427

Dig - Volunteers unearth evidence of Iron Age settlement in Yorkshire city (Sheffield)

Evidence of human activity dating back to Roman times has been found at a city farm as part of a volunteer-led archaeology study.

Experts believe the survey has unearthed remains of an Iron Age or Romano-British settlement at Whirlow Hall Farm in Sheffield, and the discovery has caused considerable excitement.

A rectangular enclosure formed by a ditch was revealed during a geophysical survey commissioned as part of a Lottery-funded project at the site.

Karl Taylor of Archaeological Research Services, which undertook the survey, said the discovery could be hugely significant as no other settlements of such an early date have been found within the city.

He added: “The results of the survey go to show just how valuable geophysics can be as a tool for discovering archaeology that would otherwise have lain undetected. This discovery pushes back farming at Whirlow by at least 2,000 years and will provide new information on Sheffield’s early history.”

Excavations on the enclosure are due to start later this month, with volunteers carrying out much of the work under the guidance of trained archaeologists.

A series of field walks have also been organised as part of the Whirlow Hall project which began in April.

Those walks have yielded a collection of more than 1,000 finds including flint tools from the Mesolithic and Early Bronze Age.

Staff at Whirlow Hall farm said once the project was complete, all the findings would be used to create a heritage trail and a programme of walks and talks detailing the area’s history.

Anybody interested in volunteering on the dig should call Archaeological Research Services on 01629 814540.

From: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/around-yorkshire/local-stories/volunteers_unearth_evidence_of_iron_age_settlement_in_yorkshire_city_1_3567805